Property Checklist

Below is a list of details to check for when you are viewing properties to rent.
This is not a definitive list and is intended to give an indication of the things you should be looking for. 

Remember that the best time to get your landlord to carry out repairs is before you move. Landlords will be more enthusiastic about repairs if they know someone will then move into their property.

We have split the checklist into three parts; Exterior, Interior and Furnishings.


Exterior
Grounds/ Gardens - clear of any rubbish and debris (especially if you have to maintain them.

Water and waste pipes - no leaking pipes, check for green mould and white discolouring on the walls

Window sills - should be solid and not crumbling

Gutters - broken??

Plants - growing off of wall or roof??

Sheds - clear of rubbish and debris

Roof - no slates missing, looks secure

Entrances - check all entrances into property for security. All entrances should ideally have a secure lock (a five lock mortice lock, not just an ordinary Yale style lock).


Interior
Kitchen - if you have no lounge, is the kitchen big enough to eat in?
Are there enough worktops and units?

Bathroom - is there any natural ventilation? If not, there should be a working fan for ventilation. Check the sealant around the bath/ shower - is it broken?

Bedrooms - bedrooms must have a window and sufficient light. The minimum recommended size for a bedroom for one person is 70-90 square feet.
It is illegal (see safety regulations) to have certain types of gas boilers in the bedroom.

Toilets - do they work? Flush them !
Fire Places - if in use ensure they have been swept. If blocked do they have an air vent?

Ceilings - are they made from polystyrene? (risk in a fire)

Walls - are they partition walls? If so, can you hear everything from the next room?

Doors - main doors should be secure (as above), all others should be solid and not rotting

Decoration - cracks, flaking paint, damp patches all are issues.

Gas boiler - any soot stains around the boiler? Check the flame - it should be blue not yellow

Gas safety - make sure you read our safety regulations. Check for a valid safety certificate by a CORGI registered engineer.

Lighting - is there enough light? Is the electrical wiring safe? When was it last checked/ rewired?

Electric fittings - are there enough plug sockets? Are they marked or burnt around the edges? Are all plug sockets secure against the wall and not coming away?

Detectors - for both fire and carbon monoxide. Do they exist and work? If not who will supply them?

Heating - is there sufficient heating? What type of heating (gas, electric)
Do not depend on Calor gas heaters (they can be dangerous) or small electric heaters (they are so expensive to run).

Mould/ damp - are there any damp marks on the walls or mould? Id there a musty smell?

Hot Water - how is it supplied? Will the source be powerful enough to provide enough hot water for all inhabitants?

Infestations - check for evidence of droppings (they look like crumbled matchstick heads).

Windows - the more the better in our opinion. Ensure they are all secure.

Safety - in the event of a fire can you get out easily? Can windows be broken if necessary?


Furnishings
Carpets - reasonably clean, not torn, properly fitted to staircase

Lino in kitchen/ bathroom - make sure it is not torn and in a reasonable state

Kitchen - proper working cooker and fridge in kitchen, vacuum cleaner etc.
Who maintains them and pays for repairs?

Additional equipment - microwave, freezer, washing machine, and anything else.
Who maintains and repairs?

Furniture - your furniture is going to be second hand. Unless it was manufactured before 1952, all furniture should have safety marks etc. Check anyway.

Bedrooms - should have solid bed with clean mattress, and storage space. Ideally you also want a desk and chair, adequate lighting and bookshelves.

Good Luck!